Drivers stranded for second night after snow on A57

More than 100 drivers have spent a second night stranded in part of South Yorkshire as heavy snow continues to cause disruption across the region.

Many drivers who have been stranded on the A57 since Tuesday evening because of the wintry weather, have taken refuge at a nearby Methodist church.

Police said they were hoping to clear the road which has been blocked by abandoned vehicles, on Thursday.

More than 300 schools remain closed and Robin Hood Airport is shut.

BBC Climate Correspondent Paul Hudson said the total depth of snow in Sheffield city centre had reached 38cm (15in) - the deepest amount recorded in December since records began in 1882.

South Yorkshire Police said mountain rescue teams had helped take motorists from their vehicles on the affected stretch of the A57, between Todwick and Worksop.

Bus operator First said all services in Sheffield had been suspended as a result of further snowfall on Thursday. A limited service was operating to Doncaster and Rotherham.

There are still delays on many train services, with passengers being advised to check with the rail companies before travelling.

Many hospitals are advising patients not to attend unless it is urgent, and are asking off-duty medical staff to make their way into work if they can.

Barnsley Hospital has closed its outpatients departments and cancelled non-urgent operations.

Police have also warned drivers forced to abandon their cars not to leave valuables inside after a number of reported thefts in Rotherham.

A spokeswoman said there had been reports of at least eight cars having been broken into on Treeton Lane after cars were left there because of the weather.